Easter arrives early this year. March is a good time to transition your winter porch pots into springtime beauty. Recently, porch pots have gained popularity. Garden centers, hardware stores and even grocery stores sell beautiful porch pots for your front entrance. Why not create your own arrangement and welcome spring to your home?

Here are a few basic steps. Fill a pot with soil. If you are recycling your winter porch pot, remove the evergreens and wait until your soil thaws. Gather your spring materials. You will need a “filler” such as fresh cut boxwood and/or hardy pansies. Choose from among tree twigs, white birch branches, curly willow or red dogwood for your “thriller.” Add a touch of spring with silk forsythia branches, pussy willows, a colorful bow, or spring picks like Easter eggs. A local “Dollar Store” is my favorite place to find inexpensive, decor items. Remember to adequately water and regularly fertilize your pot if you include fresh plant material.

When creating your porch pot, step back and look at it to gain perspective. Make sure your arrangement is balanced and symmetrical. Continue to add materials until it looks full, not skimpy. Try to create a natural arrangement with movement and flow, rather than a rigid and stiff appearance. Enjoy the creative process as it is a unique expression of you.

For more creative ideas with nature’s beauty, visit a monthly program of the Dunnville Horticultural Society. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly programs at the Optimist Hall, 101 Main St. W., Dunnville. Adam Koziol, owner of “Earthgen” will our guest speaker March 17, 7-9pm. “Native Tree Plantings with Fast Results” is Adam’s topic. There is no charge and open to all.